VEILS OF ROSE

CHAPTER 1️⃣6️⃣

✨ AUTHOR’S POV ✨

After bidding goodbye to Arsalan and Sara, the group rejoined the party.
Ishaan and Ahaan were engaged in a casual conversation, while Armaan and Roshni were back to their usual bickering. The sisters' duo—Asma and Noorie—were enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Rehan stood quietly, lost in thought about Sara and how she had politely declined his offer to drop her home.

Shruti, on the other hand, had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she glanced at Armaan and Roshni. She vividly remembered a certain jealous Armaan, burning in silent rage just earlier when he saw Roshni happily chatting with Rehan—and she had only added fuel to that fire. She shipped them hard.
Asad shook his head affectionately at his adorable, meddling, cupid-like wife.

---

[Flashback - Earlier during the party]

Rehan had been searching for Sara. As he looked around, he spotted Roshni chatting with Noorie.
“Hey, Roshni! When did you arrive? You’re looking really beautiful,” he said with a warm smile.
“Thanks, sir. You’re looking good too,” she responded politely.

“Have you seen Sara anywhere? I lost her in the crowd while greeting a few guests,” he asked.
“No, sir. Actually, we’re also looking for her. I was about to come to you and ask the same,” Roshni replied.

A few steps away, a certain someone was not pleased. A very jealous Armaan stood watching the friendly conversation. His jaw clenched, and his grip on the juice glass tightened with each smile Roshni gave Rehan.

(Note from the author: I haven’t included any scenes with alcohol or smoking because I personally dislike them. No offence to anyone who does—but as a medical student, I strongly advise against such habits. This story remains clean and respectful.🙏🚭🚫)

“They look good together, don’t they?” said a voice from behind him.

“No. They don’t,” snapped Armaan a little too quickly.
Shruti smirked, catching him red-handed. Asad sighed, used to his wife’s antics.

“Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me. But instead of sulking, go and claim your right as her date,” teased Shruti, trying to rile him up even more.
“And, by the way,” she added in a whisper, “Rehan has strong feelings for her.”

Armaan didn’t wait to fact-check. He rushed straight toward them.

Back with Asad…
“But I thought Rehan liked Sara? Why did you lie?” he asked his wife, bewildered.

“My dear innocent husband,” Shruti sighed dramatically. “You’re too naïve to be a PA—though a great one. Just trust my matchmaking instincts, okay?”

Poor Asad didn’t know whether to feel flattered or offended.

---

Armaan reached the pair mid-conversation. Without waiting, he interjected.

“Excuse me, can I steal my date—and girlfriend—for a minute?” he asked, pulling Roshni away.

“WTH! What the heck! How dare you?! This is the second time you’ve called me your girlfriend. Can’t you see I was talking to Rehan, sir?” Roshni fumed.

“You need to stay away from him. I don’t like his intentions. He was clearly getting too close to you. And I heard… he has feelings for you,” Armaan said, referring to Shruti’s lie.

“What?! You dumb, psycho, irritating fellow! Who told you that nonsense? Rehan sir has no such intentions. We were just chatting!”

“How are you so sure?” Armaan asked, stubbornly.